A Happy Hour

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It’s been a little over a year since I bought The Bungalow and, nearly as long, since I joined The Bryan. But, this afternoon was my first time to join the fun of a happy hour on the grounds of the museum.

My plan was to meet my friend, Marlee, here and check out Galveston’s Own Farmer’s Market, which only recently moved to this location on Thursday nights, and request a complimentary glass of wine (for museum members), sit and relax, listen to the music of the band and, perhaps, make a few new friends.

All worked out as planned, and we had a truly lovely time!

The weather was perfect - not too warm or humid. There was a slight breeze in the air. It could not have been more idyllic.

The well-heeled crowd was perfect too. All were museum fans and supporters - and very friendly! We talked to several people we didn’t previously know and learned a lot about their island experiences.

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I was surprised to run into a Facebook friend from Houston. Jeff, like me, is a part-time resident of Galveston. It was only recently that he acquired his raised bungalow on the East End. It was fun to chat with him about our mutual efforts to improve and decorate our properties. Like me, he plans to share his bungalow with vacation renters during the summer months.

While I was there, I walked into the museum’s gift shop, positioned in a cute little building of its own, right near the outdoor courtyard. A visit here is always a treat for the eyes. The buyer for the shop does a great job and, always, I see things I want to pick up and take home. Tonight was no exception. I ended up purchasing a colorful runner for the dining room table in The Bungalow, as well as a book on the history of Galveston.

At the same time, I left plenty of other unique and interesting hings in the gift shop to consider for another time!

Bryan Museum

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Today, I took the advice of many and made my first visit to the Bryan Museum. As described, it is a very special place, and spending a couple of hours there - going through the galleries and walking around the grounds - was truly a treat.

The Bryan Museum, I discovered, presents the history of Texas and the American West in an incredibly beautiful setting and in a most comprehensive and inspirational way. All is by design, and history buffs like me love it. I found myself quickly wanting to learn all I could about the museum and those who created it. At the same time, I wanted to be more than just a tourist; I wanted to become an avid supporter of the great work being done here.

J.P. and Mary Jon Bryan purchased the old Galveston Orphans Home in June 2013. After a careful restoration of the historic structure, the couple opened the Bryan Museum in June 2015. With 20,000 square feet of exhibit space and lush, manicured grounds, it immediately become an island treasure and a must-see Texas destination.

The Bryan Collection is one of the world's largest collections of historical artifacts, documents and artwork relating to Texas and the American west.  The collection spans more than 12,000 years, with pieces ranging from ancient Native American cultural artifacts to modern 21st century objects.

With approximately 70,000 items in total, the collection includes 20,000 rare books; more than 30,000 documents in Spanish, German, French and English; three dozen saddles and over 250 antique firearms, several hundred spurs, a large collection of art (religious art, folk art and portraits), exceedingly rare maps and artifacts, such as "cowboy" chaps; Native American stone tools and arrowheads; and a Spanish mission bell.

In addition to its permanent galleries, the museum also includes space for rotating special exhibits, a library, conference room and an archive. Outside the museum, on the beautifully landscaped grounds, there is a sculpture garden, fountain and gazebo, as well as the Conservatory. All are lovely venues for the many public and private events held at the museum throughout the year.

About the Structure
The original Gothic revival building, located at 1315 21st Street, was constructed from 1894-1895 with funding from Henry Rosenberg, a Galveston businessman and philanthropist. Sadly, the building was destroyed by the Great Storm of 1900. But, fortunately, newspaper publisher William Randolph Heart hosted a charity bazaar at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City to raise funds for a rebuild, which was completed in 1902. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on March 21, 1979.